Claude's Blog

Crime Stats - DC

Claude Labbe, ABR, e-Pro, GRI (Realty For Your Busy Life) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:33:50 -0600

Often, buyers will ask about "how safe is this neighborhood".

Firstly, I suggest they look at their own home for a baseline. Frankly, it's surprising how we can all be completely oblivious to that which is going on.

Then, to understand the type and frequency of "crime", there are 2 sites, the first is national in scope and this other is Washington,DC-specific.

And of course, any buyer considering to buy a home should consider the home's location at different times of day and night. Some people don't want to live next to a whole set of hot dining spots, others do.

Thoughts on NoMA

Claude Labbe, ABR, e-Pro, GRI (Realty For Your Busy Life) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:02:31 -0600

A few days ago, I was interviewed for my thoughts on NoMa, which I think is going nowhere but up. At the moment, not quite the neighborhood feel, but some parts are already having a nice feel, other parts are moving up.

The story was in the Washington Examiner. If you'd like more background, ping me and I'll get you lined up.

Help with Searches

Claude Labbe, ABR, e-Pro, GRI (Realty For Your Busy Life) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:58:00 -0600

So often, buyers will ask that I recommend a search site. There are many many many.

My first criteria is the site be current as often clients will ask me about a listing which was sold several weeks ago, leading to a frustration.

My second criteria is ease of use, some people prefer map-based searches, others prefer text-based. For those who prefer maps, consider ListingBook. For those who prefer text, consider HomesDatabase. With both options, the search will get you moving in the right direction, but ultimately the search should be done in parallel with constant agent communication.

Complete Renovation- H Street / Atlas Distict

Claude Labbe, ABR, e-Pro, GRI (Realty For Your Busy Life) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:27:15 -0500

Claude Labbe | Flaherty Group, Inc | 703 868 7774

1311 Florida Avenue NE, Washington, DC

Renovated Top to Bottom - Must See Home in H Street / Atlas District!

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $349,900

Year Built	1910
Sq Footage	1,288
Bedrooms	3+
Bathrooms	2 full
Floors	2
Parking	Street
Lot Size	933 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Located a short walk from the H Street night club district and a healthy walk to the metro, this newly renovated corner home features tons of curb appeal, gorgeously redone interior and an open floor plan. It is a must-see for anyone wishing to live in a progressive area that's rich with culture & history.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Hardwood floor
- Tile floor	- Living room	- Office/Den
- Dining room	- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator
- Stove/Oven	- Microwave	- Granite countertop
- Stainless steel appliances	- Attic	- Basement
- Washer	- Dryer	- Laundry area - inside

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Everything new from roof to basement

- Granite counters, SS Kitchen

- Brand new hardwood, ceramic tile & carpet

- Potential Den / Office / Fourth Bedroom in basement

- Progressive neighborhood - convenient to Capitol Hill & Metro

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6

Contact info:

Visit www.1311FloridaAve.com today for more information on this must see property!

Claude Labbe

Flaherty Group, Inc

703 868 7774

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 2, 2009, 2:50pm PDT

Coming Soon! 802 Arlington Mill Dr. S

Claude Labbe, ABR, e-Pro, GRI (Realty For Your Busy Life) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:33:04 -0500

Claude Labbe | Flaherty Group, Inc | 703 868 7774

802 ARLINGTON MILL DR S #201, Arlington, VA

Coming Soon!

2BR/1BA Condo

offered at $189,000

Year Built	1947
Sq Footage	765
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	1 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$364 per month

DESCRIPTION

This property will be available soon! Set overlooking serene Glen Carlyn Park, this condo is the perfect blend of convenience and retreat-like feel. For more information on availability, contact Claude today!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Hardwood floor	- Tile floor	- Living room
- Dining room	- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator
- Stove/Oven	- Granite countertop

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Laundry on-site

- Swimming pool(s)

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Popular Park Glen Condo

- Granite Counters, Breakfast Bar, Halogen Lights in Kitchen

- Sleek Vessel Sink and Black Tile in Bathroom

- Concrete Walls Between Units- Very Quiet

- Convenient to Shirlington, Bailey's Crossroads, Skyling and Ballston

- Four Miles to the Pentagon

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front Exterior	Kitchen from Living Area
Living Room	Bedroom
Bath	Bath

Contact info:

Claude Labbe

Flaherty Group, Inc

703 868 7774

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Sep 8, 2009, 12:06pm PDT

Smart City

Claude Labbe, ABR, e-Pro, GRI (Realty For Your Busy Life) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:38:48 -0500

You'd like to think that this metro area is in the top of rankings of US Cities.

Surely, the Metro helps, as do some of the urban villages, but we still rank #31.

Ouch, see how other cities are ranking, see Smarter Cities.

Rental in Mather Studios - Luxury Loft Living - Penn Quarter

Claude Labbe, ABR, e-Pro, GRI (Realty For Your Busy Life) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:54:57 -0500

Visit www.916GStNW.com today for more information on this elite property!

Claude Labbe | Flaherty Group, Inc | 703 868 7774

916 G Street NW #701, Washington, DC

Penn Quarter -Mather Studios- The Ultimate in Urban Chic!

2BR/2BA Condo

offered at $3800/ month

Year Built	2002
Sq Footage	1,430
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	Unspecified
Parking	2 Covered spaces
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Located in the historical Mather Studios Building. Complete renovation to Luxury Boutique Living in 2002 by PN Hoffman makes this highly sought after 2 bedroom 2 bath corner unit the epitome of Washington Urban Chic Loft Living!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	High/Vaulted ceiling
Living room	Dining room	Granite countertop
Stainless steel appliances	Washer	Dryer
Laundry area - inside

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Covered parking

Secured entry

Elevator

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

14 commercial-sized windows w/ custom window treatments

Chef's kitchen with granite and stainless steel appliances

Open-loft style floor plan - fabulous for entertaining

Ultra-Posh Owner's Suite and Bath

Two exclusive underground parking spots

On-site concierge & security

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Mather Studios	Lobby
Open Living / Kitchen	Owner's Suite
Owner's Bath	Guest Bedroom

Contact info:

Visit www.916GStNW.com today!

Claude Labbe

Flaherty Group, Inc

703 868 7774

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: July 8, 2009, 9:50am PDT

Brookland - Stunning Row House Renovation- Open House Sunday, July 12th 2-4pm

Claude Labbe, ABR, e-Pro, GRI (Realty For Your Busy Life) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:51:08 -0500

Visit www.739Faraday.com today for more information on this exciting property!

Claude Labbe | Flaherty Group, Inc | 703 868 7774

739 Faraday Place NE, Washington, DC

Stunning Row House Renovation- The Best Brookland Has to Offer!

2BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $369,500

Year Built	1948
Sq Footage	1,224
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full
Floors	Hardwood, Tile
Parking	Off-Street Drive
Lot Size	2,453 sqft

DESCRIPTION

Located in up & coming Brookland! This gorgeously renovated row house is a must see! Great curb appeal, bursting with interior and exterior upgrades and updates - stainless and granite kitchen, crown molding - hardwood and tile throughout- and so much more!

Walk to Fort Totten Metro - Moments from Downtown- see this gem today!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Hardwood floor	Tile floor	Living room
Bonus/Rec room	Dining room	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Granite countertop	Stainless steel appliances	Basement
Washer	Dryer	Laundry area - inside
Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Storage space(s)

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Progressive D.C. Neighborhood

Extensive Interior and Exterior Upgrades & Updates

Stainless Steel and Granite Kitchen

Hardwood and Tile Throughout

Fully Finished Basement with Fireplace

New Deck and Exterior Storage

Walk to Fort Totten Metro - Moments from Downtown

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front Exterior	Sun Room
Living Room	Kitchen / Dining Room
Owner's Bedroom	Full Basement

Contact info:

Visit www.739Faraday.com today for more information on this exciting property!

Claude Labbe

Flaherty Group, Inc

703 868 7774

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Apr 17, 2009, 9:50am PDT

Artomatic 2009

Claude Labbe, ABR, e-Pro, GRI (Realty For Your Busy Life) — Wed, 27 May 2009 23:44:42 -0500

Every year, this event continues to grow, with more and more artists and attendance. This event opens Friday May 29th and will proceed until July 4th weekend.

This years installation is at Navy Yard Metro station, at 55 M St SE.

More info than I can properly provide is avaiable at their site.

Walking/Biking Tours, Sat-Sun 05/30-31/2009

Claude Labbe, ABR, e-Pro, GRI (Realty For Your Busy Life) — Wed, 27 May 2009 23:42:04 -0500

It will be raining all week, but the sun is here this weekend. Enjoy the city before it gets ugly warm. It's a great time to get out and take a walking tour of different parts of DC this w/e. This recurring event continues to be fun.

Get more info & register at the DC Cultural Tours site.

$8k Credits and DC $5k Credits

Claude Labbe, ABR, e-Pro, GRI (Realty For Your Busy Life) — Wed, 27 May 2009 23:39:20 -0500

Across the US, "First Time Homebuyers" are getting a great tax benefit in 2009. To be considered a First Time Buyer in the view of the IRS, you are defined as one who has not owned a home in the prior 3 years.

In Washington, DC, since 1997, "First Time Homebuyers" get a great tax benefit. To be considered a First Time Buyer in the view of the DC Tax authorities, you are defined as one who has not owned a home in the District before. If one owned a home elsewhere, one is still eligible.
IRS Tax credit is for $8,000; DC Tax credit is for $5,000.

Both phase out with higher incomes. Either credit may be used for a buyer in the District in 2009, but NOT BOTH. This is my understanding as I read the NAR guidelines, though I would strongly urge discussion with your accountant.

By the way, First Time Buyers across the US is IRS Form 5405 for $8000, while DC is IRS Form 8859.

Leisure World! Open House Sunday April 19th 2-4pm

Claude Labbe, ABR, e-Pro, GRI (Realty For Your Busy Life) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 13:12:42 -0500

Claude Labbe | Flaherty Group, Inc | 703 868 7774

19365 Cypress Ridge Ter #114, Leesburg, VA

Leisure World Living! You Deserve It!

2BR/2BA Condo

offered at $225,000

Year Built	2005
Sq Footage	1,251
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	11
Parking	Underground

HOA/Maint	$582 per month

DESCRIPTION

Loudon County's Premier +55 Community for Active Adults - Leisure World has so much to offer! On site management, on campus pool & fitness center, club house, group activities, on campus dining and dedicated shuttle service to get you where you want to go- everything you need in a beautiful setting! This first floor condo is just waiting for you!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Living room
Dining room	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Microwave	Washer
Dryer	Balcony, Deck, or Patio

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Garage parking	Clubhouse	Fitness center
Swimming pool(s)	Tennis court(s)	Gated property
Elevator	Wheelchair access

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Open Floor Plan w/ Bedroom Suites Seperated by Living Area for Privacy

First Floor Unit

Fully Enclosed Sun Room

On Site Management

Convenient to Historic Leesburg, Shopping and Medical

Private Shuttle Service w/ Multiple Trips Daily

On Campus Restaurant

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Building Front	Kitchen
Living / Dining Room	Fully Enclosed Sun Room
Owner's Suite	Owner's Bath

Contact info:

Visit www.CypressRidgeTerrace114.com today for more information on this exciting property!

Claude Labbe

Flaherty Group, Inc

703 868 7774

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Apr 17, 2009, 9:50am PDT

Buyers, 2009

Claude Labbe, ABR, e-Pro, GRI (Realty For Your Busy Life) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:10:47 -0500

Hi all,

This note applies to people who want to buy in 2009, and to people who want to sell in 2009. The logic simply dictates when you start buying or when you choose to put your home on the market.

This note also only applies to buyers who are first-time buyers (ie, no home ownership in prior 3 years), and so, also then only to home sellers who's home would likely appeal to that buyer market.

At the moment, this market is crazy, as bad as 2004. Buyers spend their weekends looking at homes, buyers then make offers at above-asking price. Sellers get to entertain several offers and take their pick.

That's the Washington DC market in the spring of 2009.

I cannot foretell the future, but what do you think will happen this fall, when everyone is racing to get closed/settled prior to Dec 1, 2009 to qualify for their $8,000 tax credit? I think people will get more crazy, prices will shoot up. After Dec 1, we should get back to normal.

So, if you are a seller and can afford to wait until September to sell your home, you'd be best advised to stay put.

So, if you are a buyer thinking on buying this fall, be forewarned.

As-Is Home- Full of Possibilites!

Claude Labbe, ABR, e-Pro, GRI (Realty For Your Busy Life) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:36:48 -0500

Claude Labbe | Flaherty Group, Inc | 703 868 7774

20035 Mattingly Terrace, Gaithersburg, MD

Lovely Hadley Farms Home- Full of Possibilities!

3BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $230,000

Year Built	1990
Sq Footage	1,200
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Uncovered spaces
Lot Size	4,158 sqft
HOA/Maint	$25 per month

DESCRIPTION

Own in this wonderful community - Hadley Farms! Sold as-is, pride of ownership is all you need to make this lovely two-story colonial your home. With private lot, stunning deck and full finished basement this home is FULL of possibilities!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Basement	Washer
Dryer	Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Clubhouse

Swimming pool(s)

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front View	Kitchen
Living Room	Owner's Suite
Owner's Bath	Deck

Contact info:

Claude Labbe

Flaherty Group, Inc

703 868 7774

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Apr 1, 2009, 1:28pm PDT

Post Crash Geography

Claude Labbe, ABR, e-Pro, GRI (Realty For Your Busy Life) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:11:22 -0500

[yes, I've been swamped for the past month; not at all what you'd expect from Realtors®]

I don't 100% agree with the recession simply because while I fully see it's impact, I also see many people who have not been impacted, and I see several neighborhoods where prices are stable (though, yes, I see many where prices have taken the express elevator down)

I do like Richard Florida's thinking and was recently listening to a discussion he had on NPR. I've included it here (as well as the original Atltantic Monthly article) and he speaks almost tangentially about the Washington DC area.

Regardless of larger economic forces, real estate has been, and continues to be about location. (I can't say it 3 times, but you know I want to). Location involves the home, schools, jobs, transportation, the whole basket.

916 G Street NW - Mather Studios- Luxury Loft Living in Penn Quarter!

Claude Labbe, ABR, e-Pro, GRI (Realty For Your Busy Life) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 13:10:35 -0500

Claude Labbe | Flaherty Group, Inc | 703 868 7774

916 G Street NW #701, Washington, DC

Penn Quarter -Mather Studios- The Ultimate in Urban Chic!

2BR/2BA Condo

offered at $915,000

Year Built	2002
Sq Footage	1,430
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	Unspecified
Parking	2 Covered spaces
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	High/Vaulted ceiling
Living room	Dining room	Granite countertop
Stainless steel appliances	Washer	Dryer
Laundry area - inside

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Covered parking

Secured entry

Elevator

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

14 commercial-sized windows w/ custom window treatments

Chef's kitchen with granite and stainless steel appliances

Open-loft style floor plan - fabulous for entertaining

Ultra-Posh Owner's Suite and Bath

Two exclusive underground parking spots

On-site concierge & security

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Mather Studios	Lobby
Open Living / Kitchen	Owner's Suite
Owner's Bath	Guest Bedroom

Contact info:

Claude Labbe

Flaherty Group, Inc

703 868 7774

For sale by agent/broker

www.916gstnw.com

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 12, 2009, 11:53am PDT

More Bailouts

Claude Labbe, ABR, e-Pro, GRI (Realty For Your Busy Life) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:45:40 -0600

I came across an organization today which may have a good idea.

I'm not an economist, and I didn't support the bailouts, but at some point, I've come across to the other side. However, it does seem like the current economic distress did start with housing, and I've not seen those problems addressed.

Check out this advocacy group..Fix Housing First

Auctions

Claude Labbe, ABR, e-Pro, GRI (Realty For Your Busy Life) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 13:08:39 -0600

Auctions…they are just so 19^th century, right? Several months ago, I went to one with a buyer, for a home she had in mind in Reston, VA. She had a budget. Auction bidding went right past it. She eventually got a home on the street that she also loved, though at a higher price.

There are auctions every month or so, by different companies, for multiple properties. If the auction meets my buyer’s criteria, I will help them out. My goal is for them to buy a home, and any valid means which get us there are viable. You also will see individual homes that are auctioned off, and whether it’s a single or a multiple sale, the arguments for the buyer are the same.

With the buyer who is considering an auction, my role is similar to any other buyer. My role is to provide information on the home, similar to what I would in creating a set of buyer comps; to assist the buyer in understanding what the home is worth, regardless of asking price. Sometimes, the home in the auction is also on the market in the MLS, though usually at a much higher price. Nonetheless, that is an opportunity to get into the purchase sooner, and some homes slated for auction do get sold prior to auction. Often, I can obtain access and more information on the homes being auctioned. The more information I can find and interpret, the better informed my buyer’s auction preparation will be.

I went to another auction today, with another buyer. This particular buyer was looking for investment property in Washington DC. So, that was all I focused on. My data are at the bottom, but my conclusions:

If the first winning buyer can’t complete the purchase application process, stick around, there were some good price drops.
e.g., $135,000 first bid, re-auctioned 60 minutes later for $90,000 (Waldorf)
e.g., $130,000 first bid, re-auctioned 60 minutes later for $90,000 (Waldorf)
e.g., $57,500 first bid, re-auctioned 30 minutes later for $52,500 (2420 T St SE)
Forget the massive audience, only a few people are fighting with you for the property
And most properties can be picked up at a steep discount from the MLS asking price

There is an auction coming on Jan 30, just over 30 properties for sale in Washington DC. If you'd like that list, I can send it now, and expect to spend time on it in early January to flesh out the data more.

If you want to be ready, give me a call. And make sure your lender is on board with you so that your winning bid doesn’t get thrown out when you can’t finance the purchase.

Virginia Homeowners Alliance

Claude Labbe, ABR, e-Pro, GRI (Realty For Your Busy Life) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 22:51:45 -0600

For those who wish to truly become involved and have a say which represents your interests, join the Virginia Homeowners Alliance. They are at PO Box 643 in Richmond, VA 23218. Alternatively, their website can be used.

Inaugural Homes

Claude Labbe, ABR, e-Pro, GRI (Realty For Your Busy Life) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:54:09 -0600

Lots of places popping up all across town, several in the Realtors® MLS.

Another site here for those intrepid enough to come to the District for the Inauguration.

My usual week in Florida may get moved up just so I can get away from the crows.

Updated Condo in Beautiful Belle View!

Claude Labbe, ABR, e-Pro, GRI (Realty For Your Busy Life) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:03:58 -0600

Claude Labbe | Flaherty Group, Inc | 703 868 7774

6510 Potomac Avenue #B1, Alexandria, VA

Minutes from Old Town & Metro, GW Pkwy, shopping.

2BR/1BA Condo

offered at $249,000

Year Built	1950
Sq Footage	793
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	1 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Walk-in closet
Dishwasher	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Granite countertop	Swimming pool

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Clubhouse	Laundry on-site	Swimming pool(s)
Tennis court(s)	Playground

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Built-in Book Cases & Entertainment Center

Customized His & Hers Closets in Master Bedroom

Largest Two Bedroom Floor Plan

W/D + storage 2 floors down.

Pet Friendly

Condo fee includes everything but electric!

Minutes from Old Town & Metro, GW Pkwy, shopping.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Claude Labbe

Flaherty Group, Inc

703 868 7774

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Nov 19, 2008, 9:50am PST

Open House & Marketing

Claude Labbe, ABR, e-Pro, GRI (Realty For Your Busy Life) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:08:05 -0500

I prefer not to speak ill of other agents, I just don't want the karma to boomerang back to me.

A few weeks ago, another agent overbooked him/herself, and asked if I could hold one of their Opens. It was a favor that I could eventually call back, and in the process, would provide exposure to other sellers & buyers in my neighborhood.

The two hour Open has all of one buyer walk through, and they came in with their agent, and so, the house may have been on their "list" rather than being a destination for an Open. It was a beautiful day, and the market may be slower than 2005, but it's not that slow.

Getting back to work later that night, I realized part of the problem. The MLS system had no information advising other agents about the Open. Therefore, agents weren't able to advise their buyers. The MLS-public version also had no notification of the Open, for the consumers who are online at HomesDatabase. But this day's Open wasn't to be found.
There are a few hundred websites devoted to real estate, and while it's difficult to expect a Realtor® to publish in all, it's not a stretch to expect at least the top 2-3-4-dozen web sites to have the Open House advertised. Again, the Open on this day may have happened, but it wasn't marketed here either.

In conclusion, this is great since it makes me look that much better to my clients/sellers; but this lack of full service doesn't help the industry and it would only make the seller that much more upset if they understood.

The lesson I learned was that should I accept another assignment to spend a Sunday afternoon showing a home that isn't my responsibility to sell, I'll make certain that it is advertised, otherwise, how will I get that buyer client that I was hoping for? Ultimately, the buyer doesn't care if it's my ad or the true listing agent's ad, they just want to know about the Open. And yes, I'll ensure that I have permission to run the ads from the true listing agent, who will only be more than happy if I say to them "I'm gogin to put a dozen or so listings advertising the Open"

Neighborhood Comparison for Out of Towners

Claude Labbe, ABR, e-Pro, GRI (Realty For Your Busy Life) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:46:35 -0500

I found this site today, Neighborhood Comparisons by Homethinking.

In viewing a few comparisons, I'm not sure it's fully one I'd agree with, though they seem to be matching neighborhoods based on social profiles rather than architectural or transportation criteria.

DC Homebuyers Tax Credit 2008 & 2009

Claude Labbe, ABR, e-Pro, GRI (Realty For Your Busy Life) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 17:30:07 -0500

For several years, first time DC home buyers have been eligible for a $5000 tax credit.

With the recent passage of the 2008 Economic Stablization Package signed last week by Congress & the President, this provision is extended until the end of 2009. You can see this on page 14 of this “Economic Stabilization Act of 2008” Senate summary document.

There is also more information on this First-Time Homebuyer Individual Income Tax Credit program at the DC tax webpage.

This credit is in addition to the Federal $7500 credit which was part of the Federal Finance Housing Regulatory Reform Act of 2008 in June 2008, although this expires on July 1, 2009.
There are also changes in how the city of DC will treat Vacant property, but I've got to get more details on this. It is good

Just Reduced - Must See Turnkey Home!

Claude Labbe, ABR, e-Pro, GRI (Realty For Your Busy Life) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:51:56 -0500

Claude Labbe | Flaherty Group, Inc | 703 868 7774

3109 24th Street South, Arlington, VA

Must See Turnkey Single Family Detached- Newly Renovated!

3BR/1BA Single Family House

offered at $379,000

Year Built	1954
Sq Footage	920
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	1 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	5,470 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Living room	Dining room	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Laundry area - inside
Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Fully Detached Home on Cul De Sac

Three Full Bedrooms With Large Closets

Traditional Floor Plan, All One Level

Recently Renovated Kitchen- New Appliances

Large Fenced Rear Yard

Two Rear Entries

South Facing Front Windows for lots of light

All New Carpeting Across Home

Walk to Shirlington, Minutes from I-395

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Claude Labbe

Flaherty Group, Inc

703 868 7774

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Sep 30, 2008, 12:55pm PDT